Vanessa Branch, MD

Dr. Vanessa Branch is a board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologist with subspecialty certification in neuroradiology with more than 15 years of clinical practice. Together with her husband, Dr. Drake Branch, a board-certified, fellowship-trained pathologist, she co-founded Veralux, Arkansas’s first whole body MRI screening center. Veralux was created to combine advanced MRI technology, physician expertise, and a patient-centered experience that empowers individuals to better understand their health through early insight and prevention.

Dr. Branch has participated in grant-funded research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, and the National Center for Toxicological Research, leading to several national publications and presentations. 

Her academic achievements include the Rhodes College Outstanding Research in Biology Award, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Merit Scholarship providing full academic tuition for duration of medical school, the Outstanding Teaching Award (twice) and Outstanding Research Award at the Medical University of South Carolina, and the Residents' Outstanding Teaching Award during fellowship training at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Following her training, Dr. Branch returned home to Arkansas, where she served patients across Northwest Arkansas as a radiologist in a robust comprehensive oncology practice. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the profound impact that imaging can have on patient outcomes. Personal experiences involving close family members affected by brain aneurysms, breast cancer, kidney cancer, and multiple sclerosis further reinforced her belief that earlier detection and greater access to advanced imaging when paired with deep clinical expertise can meaningfully improve lives.

These experiences inspired the creation of Veralux and its mission to advance a more proactive, physician-led approach to health assessment and disease detection.

Message from Dr. Branch

“I have personally seen the impact that imaging has made on the health outcomes of my loved ones and how, without imaging assessment, a poor or even life-threatening consequence was probable. In this era of remarkable innovation, non-invasive, radiation-free proactive imaging should be accessible, and the time is now to provide this option locally. My vision for Veralux is to pair advanced technology with an exceptional patient experience—one that emphasizes comfort, convenience, clarity, and personalized guidance—to provide an elite level of service and care.”

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Branch has remained active in the medical community and professional leadership. She and Dr. Drake Branch served as co-presidents of the Washington County Medical Society from 2015 to 2018. She also chaired the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in 2017 and 2018. More recently since 2025 she serves on the board of the Northwest Arkansas Brain Health Initiative and is contributing to an upcoming publication focused on brain health. Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, she will join the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine as an adjunct professor of neuroradiology.

Dr. Branch and her husband have two children and enjoy life in Northwest Arkansas. Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, travel, music, and exploring new ideas in health, longevity, and brain wellness.